Kerala CM working for Modi, Adani; alleges CPI(M) State Secy Govindan

Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 8 (PTI) CPI(M) State Secretary M V Govindan on Wednesday alleged that Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan was “working for Modi and Adani” in connection with the proposed share transfer in the Vizhinjam International Seaport project. He raised allegations against Satheesan, linking him to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the business group, after Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone announced that Mediterranean Shipping Company would acquire a 49 per cent stake in Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited for about USD 1.4 billion. Addressing a press conference here, Govindan alleged that Satheesan was evading questions over the proposed share transfer in the Vizhinjam port project and accused him of attempting to divert attention instead of explaining the Congress-led UDF’s stand. "V D Satheesan has now become a CM who rules the state for Modi and Adani," he alleged. Govindan claimed that the state government had prior knowledge of the proposed share transfer and dismissed the contention that it came to know of the development only after it was reported in the media. “The argument that the government came to know of it only after SEBI and the media were informed is untenable. If the matter was deliberately concealed from the government, Satheesan must explain what legal action has been taken,” he said. He said Satheesan had not answered the larger political questions surrounding the issue. “What the people need to hear from Satheesan is the political stand of the Congress and the UDF on this issue. They are still not prepared to state it,” Govindan said. The CPI(M) leader said there was no dispute over protecting the interests of the Vizhinjam port, but alleged that the UDF was attempting to surrender the state’s rights to a private company. Govindan demanded that Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and K C Venugopal clarify their party’s stand, alleging that Satheesan had acted as an intermediary in “secret agreements” relating to the port project. Alleging that the BJP and the UDF shared a common position on privatisation, Govindan claimed that BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar had himself acknowledged that the UDF was implementing policies outlined in the BJP’s manifesto. Turning to the Wayanad tunnel tragedy, Govindan urged all party workers and the public to actively support the rescue operations and said the incident should not be politicised. “As we made clear the previous day, all party workers and the public must actively involve themselves in supporting the rescue operations to ensure they move forward at maximum speed,” he said. He appealed to the government to intensify efforts to rescue those trapped under the debris, ensure specialised treatment for the injured, and provide immediate financial assistance to the families of those killed and injured. “Medical treatment must be provided to those injured in the disaster. We appeal to the government to ensure immediate financial assistance to the families of the deceased and to those injured,” he said. Accusing the UDF, ministers, and certain sections of the media of attempting to politicise the incident, Govindan said the government’s priority should be to coordinate rescue efforts rather than engage in political attacks. “UDF leaders, ministers, and certain media houses are making major attempts to use this issue for political attacks. This matter should not be viewed as a political issue. The government’s primary focus must be to coordinate maximum rescue efforts and complete them as swiftly as possible,” he said. Govindan said he, along with the Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan and others, would visit Wayanad later in the day. The CPI(M) leader also attacked the government’s decision to reduce the tax on low-alcohol liquor, alleging that the move benefited liquor companies. “The tax concession granted to liquor companies was included in the Finance Bill and passed by the Legislative Assembly. Even the Excise Minister has said that, even if the government decides not to sell the liquor, the companies can now secure favourable court orders,” he said. Referring to the layoff of more than 800 employees by US-based medical coding company CorroHealth in Kerala, Govindan alleged that the Centre’s labour codes had enabled such actions by employers. He said the company had terminated more than 800 employees from its two centres in the state without prior notice. “Kerala registers its strongest protest. The state must take a firm stand that such defiance and arrogance will not be tolerated here,” he said. Govindan alleged that the labour codes introduced by the Centre protected companies resorting to such mass layoffs. “We had pointed out from the beginning that the labour codes protect those who shut down establishments like this. That has now become clearer,” he said. He also criticised the CM for having mocked protests against the labour codes in the past. Calling the layoffs unprecedented, Govindan urged progressive organisations to unite against such actions. PTI TBA SSK